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3 Natural Insulation Options for Your Home

Published July 21, 2015

The insulation in your home can go a long way in regulating temperature, controlling sound, and lowering energy costs. Not only is insulation helpful for thermal purposes, such as keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter, it may also act as a defense against fire. The trouble with conventional insulation is that it can be sourced from chemicals and other unnatural compounds. Production of these insulation options not only places a burden on the environment, but the insulation itself may play a role in numerous health concerns. ^[1] Fortunately, natural insulation options are becoming increasingly available, and include products made from cotton, hemp, and natural elements.

The Health Dangers of Conventional Insulation

Fiberglass is a common ingredient in home insulation, and it's actually very effective. It's helpful for regulating temperature and noise, and it's used in walls, pipes, and even airplanes. Fiberglass is spun into a wool-like material, yet the tiny glass particles can be inhaled and trapped in the lungs. Since fiberglass is considered a possible carcinogen, there is concern that the accumulation within the body over time could be damaging. ^[2] Polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PBDE, is another ingredient found in foam insulation and is used as a fire retardant. The breathing in of PBDEs could interfere with endocrine function, thus increasing the risk for cancer and other health issues.

Three Natural Insulation Options for Your Home

There are many viable alternatives to traditional insulation, including options that don't contain endocrine-disrupting fire retardants and additional chemicals. Here are three of my recommendations:

UltraTouch Recycled Denim Insulation

If you thought denim only had a useful purpose in clothing, think again! Recycled denim material–commonly used to make jeans–can be put to good use by providing a natural insulation to buildings. Bonded Logic's UltraTouch Recycled Denim Insulation uses scraps of material directly from denim manufacturers rather than sourcing 100% of its materials from used jeans. The product is treated with a natural fire retardant and is VOC-free, formaldehyde-free, and 100% recyclable.

Thermo-Hemp

You're probably already familiar with the nutritional power of hemp, but did you know this natural plant has many other uses? Not only can hemp be used to make clothing and paper, it's also used as a natural alternative to conventional insulation. Thermo-Hemp is a brand that uses 100% pesticide-free hemp in the production of its insulation. Hemp contains natural hygroscopic properties which regulate humidity. Not only that, it's healthier for the environment, both in its production and installation.

AirCrete GREENSulation

AirCrete is another popular natural solution to insulation. It is composed of air, water, and MGO cement (magnesium based). These natural ingredients, when combined together, create a shaving cream-like consistency. After a short period, it forms a lightweight cement that acts as an environmentally-friendly, non-toxic insulator for homes and buildings. It's also extremely cost effective and easy to install.

What insulation methods do you employ for your home? Please let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

University of Kentucky. Insulation and the Environment. Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering.
Illinois Department of Public Health. Fiberglass. Illinois Department of Public Health.

The post 3 Natural Insulation Options for Your Home appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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